Utility table and tool storage apparatus for truck beds

a technology for tools and trucks, applied in the field of storage containers and work surfaces, can solve the problems of cumbersome removal and reinstallation, cumbersome transportation, and difficulty in removing tools and tables, and achieve the effects of convenient removal, convenient bringing of tools, and positioning of lumber racks

US20060061116A1Inactive Publication Date: 2006-03-23HAABERG BJORN
11 Cites 21 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2006-03-23
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A utility table and storage apparatus for use in vehicles such as pickup trucks having a truck bed includes three main parts: a main frame, a rail system, and a tool storage system. The main frame is made up of a frame assembly with four collapsible legs. The legs have wheels, and are adjustable in height. The main frame forms the support structure for the work table, the top of which is preferably covered by a 4 ft. by 8 ft. piece of metal, plywood, or other suitable material. When the main frame / table portion is outside the truck bed, it rests on the four legs with the wheels attached, allowing it to be moved around. The rail system consists of three components, the anchor frame, the guide frame, and the transfer frame. The anchor frame is bolted down to the bed of the truck. The guide frame guides the transfer frame during movements of the main frame, and is temporarily bolted to the anchor frame, but can be removed if needed to allow the full use of the truck bed. Bearings such as V-groove cam followers or other sliding mechanisms between the transfer frame and the main frame enable the back and forth motion and pull-out of the table. The tool storage system consists of toolboxes and storage compartments arranged in an orderly manner on the main frame / table.
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Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not applicable. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates generally to storage containers and work surfaces, and more particularly to an improved utility table and storage apparatus for use in vehicles such as pickup trucks having a truck bed. BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

[0005] Many professionals and consumers use a vehicle such as a pickup truck, and may use it for multiple jobs that require transport of tools and / or work tables. Transportation, organization and access to tools and tables can be problematic. For example, some users simply place their tools in the truck bed in different containers, and use wood dividers to prevent the containers from sliding around when the vehicle is in motion. To free the truck bed for other purposes requires that all the t...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved utility table and storage apparatus for truck beds, generally denominated 10 herein.

[0041]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a utility table and tool storage apparatus 10 of this invention, illustrating the main frame / table portion 20 having been removed from the bed B and tailgate T of a pickup truck, and with the legs 22 of the table extended to support it on the ground.

[0042] The main frame 20 is preferably made up of an aluminum frame assembly, with overall dimensions of 3 in. thick, 4 ft. wide and 8. ft long. It has four collapsible legs 22, two in the front and two in the back of the unit. The legs have casters or wheels 24 attached to them, and are adjustable in height (as by a winch, screw, hydraulics, or other means) to allow for differences in elevation between the bed and the gr...